Friday, June 29, 2012

June 29th Prospect personal breeding bird survey

From Monica Berger:

Hi Peter: Edith G., Isabel C., Kathy Drake and myself did a
mini-breeding bird tour of the park today. Many of the birds had their
gapes open: not sure if it was the heat or their youth ;) I was most
excited about finding the yellow warbler family on the northern edge
of the Peninsula field area. We observed one immature with a prominent
eye ring. I could not find a nest but plan to go back to area again to
look more. The yellow warblers repeatedly flew back and forth across
the sidewalk between a large linden tree and the adjacent tree which
was a ginko with a black cherry growing right up against it.

We did two trips to the hummingbird nest but no luck. I did see one
hummer perched on the tall locust tree in the Rose Garden as I entered
that area. A brown thrasher was a good surprise. It was hanging on the
grass in the corridor between the Vale and Nelly's Lawn. We had no
problem finding the pewee very fast since it was singing constantly
and the Acadian flycatcher took a few minutes to come to the area by
the nest. I was surprised at how hard it was finding baltimore
orioles: we found only one family in the woodsy area northeast of the
woodchip pile/zoo area. The immature Orchard Oriole made a brief
appearance by Wellhouse Drive near the Maryland Monument.  Lastly, I
believe but am not sure I heard a white-eyed vireo singing and we also
saw a very yellow empid on Lookout that will remain unidentified. A
raucous but very cute summer camp scavenger hunt involving a
counselor-as-monster battling campers armed with play swords occurred
as we observed the mystery empid, distracting us to say the least.

Green Heron: observed three times: Peninsula, Lower Pool, Lullwater Cove
Black-crowned Night-Heron: 2--Duck Island and
Wood Duck: 2, Upper Pool
Mallard
Turkey Vulture (flyover)
Red-tailed Hawk
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: no one on the nest but one perched on tall
locust tree seen when entering Rose Garden
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee: Singing lots-- Lower Midwood, same exact location
as observed by myself and others on short trail above stairs with
barricade at top
Acadian Flycatcher: Rick's Place, very near nest site
Empid: Lookout Hill--very yellow, very vexing
Eastern Kingbird: 4 or 5. Nest north of Audubon Center
Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Upper Pool
Barn Swallow
Cedar Waxwing: Peninsula
House Wren: probably at least 4-5 heard
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher: Vale (in corridor between Vale and Nelly's Lawn)
American Robin
Black-capped Chickadee: 3 or 4
Tufted Titmouse: heard only
White-breasted Nuthatch: heard only
Blue Jay
European Starling
House Sparrow
Warbling Vireo: at least six heard, one seen
Red-eyed Vireo
Yellow Warbler: 4 birds, at least one immature, flying between large
linden and combo cherry/ginko tree on north edge of Peninsula field

Eastern Towhee: Vale, heard only
Chipping Sparrow: Peninsula
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird: observed young begging on Peninsula lawn, very comical
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole: family unit in woods north of Dongan Oak Monument
Orchard Oriole (imm. male seen near Maryland Monument on Wellhouse Dr

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Prospect June 27th list

From Rob Jett:

FYI - Was in Prospect for a little while yesterday and had a decent list:
Location: Prospect Park
Date: Jun 27, 2012 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Species: 41

Wood Duck (1, Upper Pool.)
Great Egret (1.)
Green Heron (2.)
Red-tailed Hawk (2.)
Chimney Swift
Northern Flicker (1.)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (1, Calling at south end of Midwood.)
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (2, vocalizing in vicinity of nest at Rick's Place. Nest appeared to be empty.)
Eastern Kingbird (5.)
WHITE-EYED VIREO (1, singing on Lookout Hill about 30 yards south of Maryland Monument.)
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (7, feeding above water next to new islands near skating rink.)
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee (2.)
Carolina Wren (2.)
House Wren (4.)
Wood Thrush (1, Midwood.)
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (1, foraging low to ground on ridge adjacent to Lookout Hill south stairway.)
Chipping Sparrow
INDIGO BUNTING (1, singing from hillside a few yard south of the Maryland Monument.)
Common Grackle
Orchard Oriole (1, Singing from tree on Breeze Hill.)
Baltimore Oriole

Other commons species seen (or heard):
Mute Swan, American Black Duck, Mallard, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker (2.), Downy Woodpecker (1.), American Robin, Blue Jay, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Sparrow
          

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Birds reported today in Prospect

Rob Jett reports

--a male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER on Lookout Hill's upper summit meadow

-- 4 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS  around the new islands created  as part of the rink construction, this being Music Island the larger island, and Teadrop Island the smaller one.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Prospect 6/26: breeding birds and nesters inc OROR

From Eni Falci:


Hi Peter-
today was too nice not to walk the park. Mostly saw fledglings and adult birds feeding young. Most note worthy was  the orchard oriole family. I assume this is the one that nested in the pine near the camperdown elm tree. The yellow juvenile was in a tree at the foot of the stairs before the nethermead arch opposite the Binnen new bathing beach. The male was flying back and forth with food from a tree on the other side of the horse path. Also house wrens up the path to the pools with young at the tree that crossed the path and was eventually cut.
 
Grackles
Flicker
House wren w/ young
Robin @ nest with 3 chicks
Cardinal
Orchard oriole--> OROR
Warbling vireo with young
Green Heron flyover lullwater
Catbird w/young
Laughing gull flyover

Monday, June 25, 2012

Post from Ebird Yahoo Groups Listserve :Duck Stamps

I use the Duck Stamps to gain entry to Federal Refuges without paying the admission fee. Even though there are not alot of such federal Fish &Wildlife refuges with entry fee in the NYC area ( nearest is Brigantine NWR in south Jersey  or go to ---> http://www.fws.gov/refuges/ ), nevertheless, the monies go to buying wildlife habitat and vital land purchases, mostly wetlands.Its conservation POWER in your hands thru funding: a good way to beat  the land developers. Duck Stamps cover the year from July thru one year.. By the way, you can get also get duck Stamps on http://www.usps.com/   ( Homepage Buy Stamps, under "Buy Collectibles" but its not available yet thru the Post Office , but this is only $1 s/h if you wait after the sale opens.)

http://www.duckstamp.com/mm5/

From Ebirds

Hi all,


2013 Duck Stamps go on sale this Friday (June 29th).
You can order them online at
 http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/stamps.htm.

Each Duck Stamp is $15.00.


Birders should know a very large percentage of lands
acquired by the Fish & Wildlife Service as wildlife refuges
are paid for from the sale of Duck Stamps. If you love birds
and understand the principles of scientific conservation and
the value of protected, managed habitat for migrating
birds (and if you don't, you should), it is a no-brainer to buy
 a Duck Stamp.


Please buy a Duck Stamp and encourage other birders you
 know to do the same in person or via birding lists.


Good birding,


John Laver

***

From Eagle Optics:

http://www.eagleopticsblog.com/2012/06/22/the-duck-stamp-more-than-great-art/

Prospect 6/25:playful Cedar Waxwings; lingering Indigo Bunting

Observed today on my rounds along the south shore of the Lake, I watched at least a dozen CEDAR WAXWINGS playfully fly back and forth, to and fro among the various trees on Three Sisters Islands, right after the afternoon rainshower ( lots of soaking today!)

****

Chris Holden sent me a note of last evening's observation of INDIGO BUNTING seen at Butterfly Meadow.Its likely a floater, an unattached male, but you never know until one observes long enough and see if it's possible a breeder..I doubt it but who would have thought on the Hummingbirds?

Here's Chris's note:

Hi Peter,

I was taking a late evening stroll yesterday through the park, and
came across a noisy Indigo Bunting male in the Butterfly Meadow atop
Lookout Hill.  I was curious as to whether they were normal summer
residents in Prospect Park, so I did a quick search using E-Bird.  It
looks that as far as June-July reports go, there's been a few
sightings of a single Indigo Bunting in recent years:

2012- the sighting yesterday
2010- a checklist you submitted for July, part of Prospect Park not specified
2009- 2 checklists submitted for July by Alex Wilson,  noted to be on
Lookout Hill both times, one time in the Butterfly Meadow, one time
noted to be a second year male.

Anyhow, it was a nice treat to run across him yesterday.  I wonder if
it's all the same bird, who's been nice enough (I find it hard not to
anthropomorphize) to linger around  Prospect Park for the past 4
summers (or at least put in an appearance in three of them) to add an
extra splash of color to the summer bird palette here.

Chris






 

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Prospect/Greenwood 6/24

Post from Orrin Tilevitz:

Early this morning I jogged around the park on the perimeter roadway and in addition to seeing a house sparrow heard the following birds:

Warbling vireo
House wren
Baltimore oriole
Northern cardinal
House wren

Later I spent a couple of hours in Green-Wood Cemetery.  Highlights were a downy woodpecker feeding its offspring and a mother raccoon leading her 5 babies on a Sunday morning jaunt and then up a tree.  Here is the list of birds I saw (or heard)

American robin
Northern mockinbird
European starling
Red-bellied woodpecker
Blue jay
House wren
Downy woodpecker
Northern cardinal
Great egret
Cedar waxwing
Mourning dove
Black-crownded night heron
Northern flicker
House sparrow
Chipping sparrow
Warbling vireo
Grey catbird
Baltimore oriole
Canada goose
House finch
Rock dove
Song sparrow

Latest Conservation Update

From my conservation blogger page

http://bbcnewsboard.blogspot.com/2012/06/realities-of-available-money-and-nyc.html  (click on)

PS.

I changed the color to "gold" for summer Goldenrods.. ( easier to see the hilighted links for my readers) ;)>

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Evening watch Prospect Lake 6/23

8:10 pm -9

3 Black-crowned night herons
Chimney swifts
Robin
RW Blackbird
Mallards
Mute Swans
Laughing Gull
Herring Gull

and about 20 feet from where i stood on the shore wall, a Snapping Turtle peeking at me..( pointed snout)

Friday, June 22, 2012

Volunteering for the BBC

The Brooklyn Bird Club relies on members' help to run its programs. Like any recreation orientation , a club depends on kind hearted folks giving their time to further the joy of a passion--in this case birds-- for the benefit of all.

If you think you like to help out in leading a trip, or acting as a registrar, or whatever other capacity, email me prosbird@aol.com

We are in particular need for trip registrars. If you are proficient in setting up car pools or skilled in organizing the trip rides, I'm all ears.....

Thx for your support for the BBC.
Peter

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Oppose name change of JBWR building

Attached is a link to a petition created by JBaykeeper Don Riepe.

http://www.causes.com/causes/786528-help-jamaica-bay/actions/1661252#

Congressman Bob Turner wants to change the name to a state senator who very likely had nothing or little to do with Jamaica Bay Refuge.

Herb Johnson , on a strings budget started JBWR .  See his bio

http://www.nps.gov/gate/historyculture/herbertjohnson.htm

Sign the petition ( might be only for Facebook subscribers though)

--KB

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Summer is here; Hummingbird fledglings still "homebodies"

Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


**

Summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere on June 20, 2012, at 7:09 P.M. (EDT). Its the longest day of the year, hence Summer Solstice. The word solstice is from the Latin solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).



For that event, this blog changes colors to reflect the new season ( that begins with a record heat spell here.....)  Dark green for mature foliage, and blue for the hazy sky, white for clouds, mostly cumulus ( not Nimbus Cumulus, ... Oh, I added some birds in a new available template..thought you might like that (Though I have this suspicion they look like Starlings !) ... ;)>

spring went fast....

--KB
*******************************

Janet Zinn and Alan Baratz reported today the RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD fledglings still in their nest, no doubt a tight fit for the twins...it has to be quite warm in there...


Also noted by Janet and Alan, a pair of GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHERS in the same area, perhaps and likely so, a nesting pair.. the search is on ?

Here is Janet's photo of the cute twosome , whatever gender they are.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Nest to success

This morning, I aimed to see the RT Hummingbird nest and succeeded in finding it after 10 minutes searching . In it, two chicks squeezed in , looked out but no sign of the mother while I was there briefly.

I marked the pavement with an "X" right below the nest, and a "little man icon" where one should stand looking south.

Also successful, ACADIAN FLYCATCHER at Ricks Place over the east path bordering the section. The female was seen sitting in it .Previously it had flown out , perhaps the male on a nearby perch.

--KB

Monday, June 18, 2012

Hummers nest and kids in Prospect

Top news is the RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD nest with two chicks or rather fledglings seen. The nest is in the Vale Cashmere and Rose Garden border from what I gather.Note:  more details reveals that the nest is outside the southwest entrance of the Rose Garden , by the triangle

I have to check it out Tuesday.

Meantime, here are photos from Bobbi Manian's picture gallery on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3422999772914.2141487.1207827614&type=1&l=04e62bac3b

RTHUM is rare breeding in NYC according to a source.

Map .Look for blue icon

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=216559983552863855367.0004a099943913e324480&msa=0&ll=40.662736,-73.969145&spn=0.036656,0.065832

Video from Rob Jett:

http://citybirder.blogspot.com/2012/06/brooklyn-hummingbirds.html

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Friday, June 15, 2012

Prospect June 15th Acadian FC nest

As long suspected by several good birders here at Prospect, the ACADIAN FLYCATCHER that hung out for several weeks in the vicinity of Ricks Place did nest in that area. Today, Rafael Campos found the nest which he led me to it as I happen to be working in the that area.

From the road junction of Midwood with Ricks Place, where the horse trail cuts thru, walk about 20 paces south along Ricks place to a Sweetgum tree. The limb over the road is where the nest is. The ACFC tail could be seen sticking out of the nest.

Rafael will send me pics. In the meantime, below is his list. Congrats to Rafael for finding the nest. Like he says : Brooklyn is Great birding !


From Rafael:

The nest of the Acadian, ca. Rick`s Place, was on a Gum tree, ±8 m above ground. Pictures taken.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Jun 15, 2012 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 kilometer(s)
33 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 1
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) 2 Upper Pool
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 2
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) 1
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) 1 flyover lake, with a fish in its talons.
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) 1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 3
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 3
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) 1
Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) - 1 individual sitting on a nest, ca. Rick's Place.
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) 1
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 1
Warbling Vireo (Eastern) (Vireo gilvus gilvus) 4
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) 2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 1 Vale.
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

Brooklyn is great birding!!!

Members Nite gallery thanks

We had a terrific nite with a grand audience reaching 25 attendees. Thanks for coming out and supporting our member presenters Janet, Rusty and Steve with terrific photos by all and a great show.

The upcoming programs in the fall for your calendar not to be missed:

September -Great Gull Island-- Helen Hayes

October Sparrows -- Rick Wright, Wings Tour leader

and newly committed tonight a Birding Cuba topic by Rusty Harold. Details to be worked out.

Check the BBC website over the summer.

regards
Peter

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Brooklyn Bird Club evening program June 14th 630/7 pm start

A reminder about Thursday's BBC program with member presenters Janet Zinn, Steve Nanz and Rusty Harold.

This is the agenda set forth

Janet Zinn -- Exotic images of Africa , the Galapagos, Brazil and Panama

Rusty Harold--"Birding the Texas Coast 2011"

Steve Nanz-- A Florida journey and other nature profiles


If you are looking for vacation ideas , this is the night to remember.Come and see some fantastic photos and art...

The social/refreshments starts 630 PM , presentation start 7. The venue is Prospect Park's Licthfield Villa conference room

Presenters websites/blogs:

Janet's http://www.jczinn.com/

Rusty http://www.elharo.com/blog/

Steve http://www.stevenanz.com/


Come and enjoy a most delightful evening..

Peter
BBC

Monday, June 11, 2012

Weekend reports

I was away for a few days , including this afternoon ( Got those Mississippi KItes twice at Sterling Forest).

Reports from Andrew Lear and Tom Stephenson:

****************
From Andrew

Not sure how to report birds to the blog.  Nothing much, but on my way through the park on Friday evening, I had a Wood Pewee calling in Battle Pass and an adult male Orchard Oriole by the Maryland Monument.  I noticed that they weren't in the reports for the day.

****************

From Tom

Hi Peter,
 
Since the birding has slowed down, I thought you might be interested in two photos:
 
One from nearby (near the plaza st berm) of a Polyphemus Moth
And one from the park, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird on its nest.
 
 Best regards,
Tom
 
 
 






Both photos by Tom Stephenson

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Birds of Brooklyn Project

Jenna Spevak inquired me ( thru the BBC website) about this project awhile ago which i help give info..A great thing to listen for out there. See her email.

==============================================

Hello Birds of Brooklyn hosts, collaborators, and hosts-to-be,

I wanted to let you know that the National Resources Defense Council's OnEarth Magazine is currently featuring the Birds of Brooklyn project!

Please check out the article and tweet/post/share, if you have a moment.
http://www.onearth.org/article/a-bird-sings-in-brooklyn

There is also an audio feature:
http://www.onearth.org/media/audio-birds-of-brooklyn

Thanks for supporting the Birds of Brooklyn!

Best,
Jenna


/////////////////////////
Jenna Spevack
Brooklyn, NY
+ jennaspevack.com
+ 8extraordinarygreens.com
+ birdsofbrooklyn.org
+ plasticalbatross.org

Friday, June 8, 2012

Prospect reports for June 8th

Hilights today in the early breeding season is ACADIAN FLYCATCHER which Alex raises a question about and I spoke about a few weeks back of a possible nesting . One should keep their ears and eyes open and locate any such nest.Its a good bird for breeding here.
Also noted is NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, very late for this species in these parts.A few other warbler species as well. Chipping Sparrow noteworthy to see. And last, a Barn Swallow nests near the Boathouse ( AWelz). I found one under the 3 arches bridge, while the male bird stood guard on one of the wall freizes. Take a peek quick though and move on to avoid stressing the poor birds...he look worried...
8 Wood Ducks a sight nowadays here. --KB

From:  Adam Welz
Date: Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 4:16 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Jun 8, 2012


Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jun 8, 2012 1:55 PM - 3:10 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
Comments:     sunny, warm, light wind, Lullwater / Peninsula area surveyed
22 species

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)  1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)  X
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  X
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  X
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)  2     nest at tip of Peninsula
opp Duck Island
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)  X     nest on Audubon Center
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)  1
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  3
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)  1     1 young seen in nest
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  X
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius)  1
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/)

******************************

From Alex Wilson:
Begin forwarded message:

> Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
> Jun 8, 2012
> 46 species
>
> Canada Goose  25
> Mute Swan  11
> Wood Duck  8     (2 drakes, 1 hen at Upper Pool with 5 ducklings.)
> Mallard  25
> Green Heron  1
> Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
> Red-tailed Hawk  2
> Laughing Gull  6
> Herring Gull  25     (On Long Meadow, early.)
> Rock Pigeon  20
> Mourning Dove  20
> Chimney Swift  10
> Red-bellied Woodpecker  6
> Downy Woodpecker  4
> Northern Flicker  3
> Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
> Acadian Flycatcher  1     (1 or 2. Heard, then seen, early AM in 
> Ravine where paths meet above Arches. A silent bird seen in 
> afternoon below Esdale Bridge was almost certainly an Acadian: 
> large bill with full pale underside; long wings with drooped 
> posture; brighter, with more eye-ring than Traill's type. Shortly 
> after that I returned to the original spot where one was still 
> singing; not so far that it couldn't be the same individual, but 
> enough to make me wonder... There was a nesting attempt here in 2007.)

> Great Crested Flycatcher  1
> Eastern Kingbird  3
> White-eyed Vireo  1     (Singing, path above Wellhouse. Occasional 
> breeder.)
> Warbling Vireo  9
> Red-eyed Vireo  4
> Blue Jay  5
> Tree Swallow  2
> Barn Swallow  10
> Black-capped Chickadee  1
> White-breasted Nuthatch  2
> Carolina Wren  3
> House Wren  6
> American Robin  80
> Gray Catbird  20
> European Starling  100
> Cedar Waxwing  15
> Northern Waterthrush  1     (Heard singing at Lily Pond; late date.)
> American Redstart  1
> Yellow Warbler  2
> Chipping Sparrow  5     (Including family with streaky juvenile by 
> drive off SW corner of Long Meadow.)
> Song Sparrow  2
> Northern Cardinal  25
> Red-winged Blackbird  15
> Common Grackle  20
> Brown-headed Cowbird  3
> Baltimore Oriole  8
> House Finch  4
> American Goldfinch  5
> House Sparrow  30

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

BBC evening Program JUNE 14th 630PM

The Members Night is set a week from now June 14th Brooklyn Bird Club program at the Litchfield Villa.


It's a terrific program portraying presenters Janet Zinn Steve Nanz and Rusty Harold.
This is the agenda set forth :

**
Janet Zinn -- Exotic images of Africa , the Galapagos, Brazil and Panama
Rusty Harold--"Birding the Texas Coast 2011"
 
Steve Nanz-- A Florida journey and other nature profiles

**
If you are looking for vacation ideas , this is the night to remember.Come and see some fantastic photos and art...
The social/refreshments starts 630 PM , presentation start 7. The venue is Prospect Park's Litchfield Villa conference room

**
Presenters websites/blogs:
Steve  http://www.stevenanz.com/


Come and enjoy a most delightful evening..
Peter
 BBC

Prospect June 6th

From Rafael Campos:

3 species flycatchers,late warblers

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Jun 6, 2012 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 kilometer(s)
31 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)  1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  4
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  3
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  2
Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens)  1    Seen calling, Rick's Place.  Photos.
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)  2
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)  2
Warbling Vireo (Eastern) (Vireo gilvus gilvus)  4
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  1
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)  1
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)  4
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  1
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  1    female, singing; Terrace Bridge
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata)  1    male, near Upper pool
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  2
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  2
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius)  2
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)  1
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding!!!!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From Michele Dreger:

Report on 1st Sunday walk from Audubon Center

We had a great walk last Sunday.  There were 23 adults and 4 children.  It seems that Time Out New York had our walk listed and several new birders joined us. We hope that our birding experience will encourage them to return.  
The next Sunday walk will be on July 1st.  We will be honored to have the President of the Brooklyn Bird Club, Peter Dorosh lead the walk.  

Eni, Vinnie, Neal and Michele

 Mallard
Orchard Oriole
Eastern Kingbird
Barn Swallow 
Baltimore Oriole
Northern Cardinal
Bluejay
House Sparrow 
European Starling
American Robin
Mourning Dove
Gray Catbird
Chimney Swift
Cedar Waxwing 
House Wren
Rock Pigeon
Mallard
Mute Swan
Red-winged Blackbird
Double-crested cormorant
Common Grackle

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Live feed of Venus transit

click on:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/venus-transit-2012-live-updates-photos_n_1571654.html?1338928273&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D167261

(It's "flying" across the sun   ;)>  )  It wont happen again till 2117

Founding Day

Today, 103 years ago, the Brooklyn Bird Club was founded, June 5th , 1909 by Ed  and Jane Vietor at St James Place ,Clinton Hill. The first president was Edward Fleischer.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Weekend Prospect reports

Both reports from Adam Welz:

Note nesting YELLOW WARBLER


Late morning relaxed walk around top end Lullwater and southern part
of Midwood. 4 spp. warbler in Midwood + Yellow nesting near Pink
Beach. Midwood hopping with birds, sure there would be more
interesting stuff if I had spent more time. Orchard Oriole near
Audubon Center.

Cheers

Adam

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:  <do-not-reply@ebird.org>
Date: Sun, Jun 3, 2012 at 1:46 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Jun 3, 2012

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jun 3, 2012 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments:     sunny
26 species

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  2
Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)  2
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  1
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)  3
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  3
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  X
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)  1
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  3     all 'yellowstarts'
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)  1     same nest as recorded yesterday
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata)  1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens)
 1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  X
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  1
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius)  1
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/)

June 2nd

yesterday evening's list from a relaxed walk around the
Lullwater/Peninsula/Ravine area

Adam


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:  <do-not-reply@ebird.org>
Date: Sun, Jun 3, 2012 at 1:51 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Jun 2, 2012

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jun 2, 2012 6:25 PM - 8:25 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments:     nice evening
28 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Great Egret (Ardea alba)  1
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)  1
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)  X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  X
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  X
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)  X
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  X
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)  2
Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)  2
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)  X
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)  X
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  X
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  16
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)  2     nesting near 'Pink Beach'
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Upstate NY boreal birds workshop

For anyone interested, I recd this email from NYSOA, which the BBC is a member of this coalition.
Peter
-----Original Message-----
Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2012 17:12:23 -0400
From: <fallline@nycap.rr.com>
To: memclubs@nybirds.org
Subject: [NYSOA Memclubs] NYSOA Boreal Bird Workshop and Whiteface Mountain
Field Trip July 7-8, 2012


Dear Member Clubs,

Attached is an article that describes a Boreal Bird workshop

and field trip to be sponsored by the New York State
Ornithological Society in Wilmington, NY in early July. 
We hope you will help us get the word out by disseminating this
information via your newsletters, websites and electronic mailing

lists.  Many thanks.

Kathryn Schneider
Publicity Chair
NYSOA
www.nybirds.org
Here Below is their Flyer attached to  the email.
NYSOA Boreal Bird Workshop and Whiteface Mountain Field Trip July 7-8, 2012The New York State Ornithological Association is offering a boreal bird workshop and field trip in Wilmington, New York on the weekend of July 7-8, 2012. On Saturday, Adirondack bird experts John and Pat Thaxton will give a presentation entitled The Usual Suspects: A Rogue's Gallery of Adirondack Boreal Specialties. (Read more about the work of John Thaxton at http://www.johnthaxton.com/)

The workshop, which is free and open to the public, will take place at the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center, 977 Springfield Road, Wilmington, New York 12297. Located on 50 acres along the West Branch of the Ausable River, the Center specializes in wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife education. The Refuge Center includes a one mile educational hiking trail that also serves as a public fishing access site. Owners Wendy and Steve Hall will give a presentation and tour of the facility as a part of the late afternoon activities, which begin at 3:00p.m. on Saturday, July 7th.

To learn more about the Center go to: http://www.adirondackwildlife.org/. Directions to the Center from Wilmington can be found at: http://mapq.st/JsgTIP

John and Pat will lead the Sunday morning field trip to Whiteface beginning at 7:30 a.m. The field trip is open to individual, student, family and life members of NYSOA but limited to 20 participants. Field trip attendees must preregister for the field trip by calling Kathy Schneider at (518) 799-3457 or emailing her at http://www.blogger.com/goog_181455568. Arrangements have been made to allow us to use the Memorial Highway before it opens to the public at 9:00 a.m. but participants should be prepared to pay the regular toll of $10/driver and vehicle and $6/passenger.

Directions to Whiteface can be found at http://www.whiteface.com/summer/plan/directions_d.php
 and information about the Veterans Memorial Highway is at http://www.whiteface.com/summer/activities/hiway.php.

The field trip to Whiteface will likely conclude around noon, allowing participants time to visit other Adirondack birding sites if interested.
Because July is the peak of tourist season in the Adirondacks and this event is scheduled close to the Fourth of July holiday, NYSOA has negotiated discounted lodging at the Grandview Motel in Wilmington. The motel is offering our group the discounted rate of $89 for one night and $79 for a second night. To get the discounted rate simply call the motel at (518) 946-2209 and give them the name of the field trip organizer, Kathy Schneider, and the group, NYSOA. Directions and more information about the Grandview Motel can be found at http://grandviewmotel.net/page5.html. Please make your reservation as soon as possible because the motel is not holding rooms for us and summer is a busy time in the Adirondacks.
Kathryn Schneider
Publicity Chair
NYSOA
www.nybirds.org
 
 
 

Friday, June 1, 2012

Prospect June1st

This first day of June starts with ACADIAN FLYCATCHER, as breeding birds have established by now a foothold on their territories. Not to say ACFL is doing that  in the Ricks Place area as Rafael reported, but something to look at  as this species was reported last weekend as well in the same spot.4 flycatcher species seen by Rafael today.

Definitely another flycatcher did build a nest, EASTERN KINGBIRD at the Boathouse area, as seen by Mary E this morning.

From Rafael

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Jun 1, 2012 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.5 kilometer(s)
33 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)  1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  4
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)  2
Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens)  1    single individual seen calling, Rick's Place.
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)  2
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)  1
Warbling Vireo (Eastern) (Vireo gilvus gilvus)  4
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  1
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  1
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)  1
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  1
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  X
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  1    male, Peninsula.
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens)  1    female, Rick's place.
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  3
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  2
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  4
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  1
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)  1
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding!!!